Safe at School®

Overview

Diabetes must be managed 24/7, and for children with diabetes, that includes time spent at school or school-sponsored activities like field trips and extracurricular activities, in child care programs, and at summer camp or recreational programs. Our Safe at School® campaign works to make sure the diabetes management needs of children are met so they are healthy and safe and able to enjoy the same opportunities as their peers.

Federal law gives students the right to receive the diabetes care they need to be safe and participate in school activities just like any other child. Schools should provide the following:

• Trained staff to monitor blood glucose (blood sugar) levels and administer insulin and glucagon
• Trained staff to provide diabetes care during field trips, extracurricular events, and all school-sponsored activities
• Capable students permitted to self-manage their diabetes anytime, anywhere

Schools should not:

• Make family members go to school to care for a student’s diabetes
• Transfer students to a different school to get needed diabetes care
• Prevent students with diabetes from participating in field trips, sports, and other school-sponsored activities

Read about your child’s rights under Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other federal laws.

NEW! FREE 2026 BACK-TO-SCHOOL WEBINAR SERIES REGISTRATION

Register now for the Safe at School® campaign’s annual free back-to-school live webinar series to learn more about legal protections for students with diabetes, guidance and tips for school staff and parents, and advocacy information for health care professionals.

• May 6 12:00–1:00 ET “What Health Care Providers Should Know” for pediatric health care providers
• May 19 12:00–1:00 ET “Supporting Students with Diabetes” for school personnel
• July 14 12:00–1:00 ET “Guiding Parents to Ensure Their Child with Diabetes Stays Safe at School” for parents/guardians

Resources

Learn more about legal protections, written care plans, training, help for schools, and more.

Youth and Family Corner

Find more resources, stories, and support for families navigating diabetes in childhood and adolescence. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is a trusted ally for families navigating diabetes in childhood and adolescence. From educational materials, our growing ADA Camp program, to local events and advocacy initiatives, the ADA is dedicated to helping families on the journey with diabetes thrive.

Need more help?

If you have more questions about your child's rights or need help with ongoing problems related to diabetes care at school, call us at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or send an email to AskADA@. Our Center for Information will ask you a few questions about your issue and send your request to the Legal Advocate Program for review and the provision of information and guidance.

While the ADA attempts to ensure that all legal information is accurate and current, this general legal information is not a substitute for individualized legal advice, particularly in relation to information related to state or local laws or regulations. The law may change or have additional exceptions or interpretations. The ADA and its employees are not responsible for any negative results arising from improper reliance on the above information. For detailed and individualized legal advice or representation, contact a locally licensed attorney.

Need guidance with a discrimination issue? Or want to learn more about the rights of people with diabetes? The ADA can help. Contact 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) or askada@.”